The Religion and Political Violence conference (April 11 - 12, 2007, James Madison University, Taylor 404) will investigate what now appears to be a new form of political action with international consequences. Prior to September 11, 2001, the phenomenon of terrorism was far from unknown. Political conflicts with religious elements have existed throughout most of human history. Violent conflicts are described in all the great religious scriptures. In recent years, religiously motivated violence has appeared as a particularly significant form of terrorism, accounting for a large number of highly fatal attacks. It is fair to assume that the attacks of September 11 have ushered in a new era in which terrorism, often inspired by religion, poses a grave strategic threat not only to the Western world, but also to the international community at large. As a mode of action, religiously inspired terrorism has been adopted by segments of virtually all religions. At the same time, the attacks of September 11, and the continued violence since then, make us question whether the important relationship between religion and political violence has been properly understood. The conference will address a variety of questions related to the cause, characteristics, and effects of religious terrorism, discuss ways of countering this phenomenon, and develop suggestions for change.

Conference Schedule

Wednesday, April 11

9:30 a.m. Opening Remarks

Sushil Mittal, Mahatma Gandhi Center, JamesMadison University

9:45 a.m. Welcoming Remarks

David K. Jeffrey, Dean, College of Arts and Letters, JamesMadison University

4:00 p.m. "Gandhi against Bin Laden: The Relevance of Nonviolence in the

Fight against Terrorism"

David Cortright, Fourth Freedom Forum

Moderator: Iain Maclean, Philosophy and Religion, James

MadisonUniversity

5:00 p.m. Closing Remarks

William J. Hawk, Philosophy and Religion, James Madison

University

Admission to the conference is free and open to the public.Support for the conference is provided in part by JMU Center for Multicultural Student Services, College of Arts and Letters, Cross Disciplinary Studies, Department of Philosophy and Religion, General Education Program, Office of International Programs, Office of the Special Assistant to the President, and Dining Services.